The remote Bungle Bungle Range is the latest iconic Outback location where a luxury tourism development is set to have an impact and, to some extent, change the character of the place.
The proposal, announced by the WA Government earlier this month, would see global tourism giant Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) build a boutique hotel at Purnululu National Park.
This suggested development would offer guests views of the famous beehive-shaped domes from their accommodation, and make what was once a truly adventure destination accessible to a more affluent group of visitors who might perhaps baulk at the idea of basic camping.
While a rugged 4WD track is still the only way to reach the park by road, some visitors now arrive by air, and, while there is still great national park camping available, there are already two private lodges where cabin accommodation and chef-prepared meals are on offer.
The famous beehive-shaped rock formations are a major drawcard. PIC: Eclipse Chasers / Pexels
A&K’s newly proposed 16-room eco-lodge would be located closer to the famous sandstone domes on a special lease granted to the family-run Billingjul Aboriginal Corporation (BAC).
The ABC reports that it would be the first major accommodation development in 20 years in the national park, nearly 3,000 kilometres north-east of Perth in the East Kimberley.
The state government said BAC and Abercrombie & Kent would need to develop a detailed proposal, which would be subject to assessment and approvals.
“Any community or stakeholder concerns about development in Purnululu National Park will be addressed through that process,” a statement read.
Graham Wood, A&K’s Senior Vice President DMCs Asia Pacific told the Australian Traveller publication that, while the exact location of the lodge is yet to be confirmed, it will be very close to the unmistakable striped bluffs of the Bungle Bungle Range, and will be the only lodge within the park that offers views of the ancient rock formations.
“When you travel to the Australian Outback, you want to feel like you’re in the Outback, and the rooms here are specifically designed to allow that scenery in,” he said. “We really want you to feel like you’re in the bush.”
Mr Wood told Australian Traveller that each private suite would invite the outside world in, from large windows to outdoor spaces, showcasing the natural beauty of the area.
“There’ll be an awful lot of design around making sure the night sky is included, not just in the general area where we’ll have fire pits, but in the rooms as well, with the potential to see the stars from your bed,” he said.
Importantly, Mr Wood stressed that respect for the natural environment was a very important factor.
He told Australian Traveller that a key consideration in the construction of the lodge, as well as all of A&K’s camps around the world, ‘is that in 40 years from now, if we need to take it down, we can do so in a way that can return the land back to how it was in very short order’.
Abercrombie & Kent say the project will also create a plethora of new jobs for First Nations guides who will lead walks, tours and other activities.
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Leave these places in their natural state, why does everything need to be “developed”?
Probably because someone wants to make money out of it.
I must admit that A & K’s proposal may have some merit it would be very concerning if the local Purnululu peoples are not in control of the resort. It would be a shame if the only benefit of the resort is to enrichen A & K.
Those familiar with the Mossman Gorge development in Northern Qld can attest to the ability of the local indigenous people’s capacity to control a World class tourist destination
Disgraceful and should not be allowed at such a spiritual and awe inspiring place
What a joke, why should any building or development take place in such an historic plce in the K8mberley Ranges
I believe it is a completely inappropriate development for the bungles.
Develop accommodation out near the highway with included tours into the bungles would be a far better way with less impact on the area.
Surely,you don’t trust a politician? especially from WA.And do you believe a multinational greedy developer ? Their only interest is PROFIT
WOW !!!. This means we wealthy folk will all be able to see the magnificent bungle from within our air conditioned luxury accommodation and not need to step outside and mix with all those depraved common folk. We can alternate between our luxury mediterranean villas and the new bungle. It will need a range of high priced specialty chefs to provide meals that suit our degustationary habits.
I’m sure it’ll only be the rich & famous who would be able to afford what I’m sure will be the exorbitant rates. Like the luxury resort on KI that is over $2,000/night.
Money, and the attempts at getting as much as you can of it, spoil everything in the long run. Look at Fraser Island as a good example.
How will these rich tourists access the lodge. What about doing up the road so all tourists can visit the park.
Much faster and more comfortable to fly in by helicopter. I’m sure they wouldn’t subject their affluent guests to a road trip where they may see the great unwashed, common folk in their caravans and campers along the way.
So, I assume the general camping public in this World Heritage Area will continue to use the current drop dunnies! (Still no showers of course). Any new resort should be outside the world heritage area neat the existing tour operators lodges (APT , Ourback Spirir etc)
There is no altruistic motivation here. No amount of words talking up the benefits of the project can hide the fact that, you can be sure that the real impetus is the $. Leave it alone.
I think it’s inevitable that tourist areas are developed and as long as there is some natural bush and flora & fauna left untouched it should be good for the Aboriginal Corporation due to more income and more jobs. My question is why does it take a global corporation to develop this instead of an Australian company?